Bilt is coming to campus, y’all!
The rewards program, known for turning rent payments into travel points, hotel stays, and even future home down payments, has just announced two pretty sweet perks for students. You can now earn Bilt points on student housing payments and redeem those points for student loan payments.
Let’s break down what this means and why this update could be a huge deal for students and recent grads.
Bilt Rewards Comes to Student Housing
Earn Points on Student Housing (Yes, Even Dorms)
Bilt has teamed up with American Campus Communities (ACC), one of the largest student housing operators in the U.S., which manages properties at over 65 universities.
Starting in late May 2025, students living at select ACC properties (like Baylor University, just to name one) will be able to earn Bilt Points simply by paying rent, just like any traditional renter.
And yes, these are the same wonderful points that can be transferred to top travel partners like World of Hyatt, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and Air Canada Aeroplan.
This feature is launching at select campuses first but is expected to roll out across hundreds of properties, potentially reaching over 140,000 students nationwide in the coming months (yay!).
Head Start on Building Credit and Earning Rewards
Listen, I was still a student just over a year ago. So when it comes to the whole credit score situation… I get it.
For you students, this update isn’t just about points. Paying rent through Bilt can also help you establish your credit history, something that seems so stinking hard to build while still in college.
And with no fees to pay rent via ACH, and the option to use the Bilt Mastercard® with no annual fee, you’ll have a chance to dip into the points world early (yay, again!).
Use Bilt Points for Student Loan Payments
Now for the real game-changer: You can now redeem your Bilt points directly toward student loan payments. For every 1,000 Bilt Points, you’ll get $10 off an eligible loan balance.
Bilt’s supported loan servicers at launch include Nelnet, MOHELA, Sallie Mae, Aidvantage, and Navient, with more partners on the way.
This is the first time we’ve seen a major rewards program allow point redemptions for student debt, and it honestly couldn’t come at a better time. Even a few redemptions could take a serious dent out of your student debt.
How It Works
Redeeming Bilt points for student loan payments is super easy. Here’s how it works:
Every 1,000 Bilt Points = $10 off your eligible student loan balance
You can redeem points via the Bilt app or website
The minimum redemption starts at 1,000 points ($10)
This feature joins Bilt’s growing list of non-travel redemption options, plus rent credits, fitness classes, and even saving for a down payment on a home. They are truly doing it all these days.
Bilt’s Value Keeps Getting Better
One Program, Multiple Uses
With this update, Bilt continues to stand out in the miles and points world. Members can now:
Earn points on rent and student housing
Use points for student loans, rent, or even future home purchases
Transfer points to dozens of travel partners
Discover exclusive offers during the monthly Rent Day events
Enjoy local benefits at neighborhood restaurants, fitness studios, and more
That’s a lot of flexibility here and a ton of real-world value, especially for you young bucks.
Why This is Great for Young Renters
Bilt is being pretty clear, in my opinion. It wants to position itself as the go-to rewards program for the next generation. Between earning points on college housing and using them to chip away at debt, the program is now positioned to support students long before they book their first award flight.
And honestly? It’s a smart (and refreshing) move.
Bottom Line
If you’re a student, recent grad, or someone trying to manage student debt while paying rent, this is the time to pay attention to Bilt. The ability to earn points on housing and redeem them toward your student loan is a BIG deal.
While Bilt has always been strong for travelers and renters, it’s now creating a unique space for anyone trying to juggle rent, rewards, and repayment.
Head to the Bilt website or app to see if your property or student loan account qualifies.
